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Catholics from across the state today joined an Environmental Lobby Day at the Illinois Capitol sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Council, Sierra Club and Faith in Place. Participants asked lawmakers to sponsor a resolution honoring Pope Francis' 2015 ground-breaking encyclical Laudato Si', as well as support legislation creating a program for low-income residents to get access to clean, affordable water in light of the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Pope Francis in November urges all contries accepting migrants to stand together in solidarity, and asks us to overcome indifference and fear of accepting the other -- since the other may be us someday.

September's prayer intention focuses on solidarity, the tenet of Catholic Social Teaching that asks everyone to contribute to the common good and create a society that puts the human person at its center.

August's prayer video from Pope Francis focuses on the fraternity of sports and the key role it plays in breaking down walls among cultures. It's a fitting issue for this month, since the Summer Olympic Games are being held in Rio de Janiero.